Decorative portable filing bag

ABSTRACT

A decorative portable filing bag having reinforced layers of coordinating interior and exterior fabrics precisely fitted over a hanging file frame and coordinated removable hanging files with a fabric handle. This novel filing system provides significant differentiation from current briefcases and cardboard portable systems both in utility and style.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 60/675,651, filed 2005 Apr. 28 by the current inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to storage systems, specifically to decorativeportable systems used for transporting, samples, forms, brochures,invoices, receipts, legal papers, or any important documents requiringseparation and organization.

2. Prior Art

There are multiple portable filing systems on the market today,primarily available in office supply stores. These portable filingsystems are available in many different sizes, colors, and designs. Mostportable filing systems include an accordion file of some type with tabsto record the specific file section. While these tabs are eitheralphabetical or blank for the owner to record their own customer filename, the file names are not easily changed. Most systems are made outof paper cardboard of varying thicknesses and quality. Many have a smallhandle and a closure system. Current portable filing systems aredesigned for function and not style. Traditional briefcases lack thefile separation and labeling ability that my decorative portable filingbag offers. Plastic and cardboard portable filing systems can be awkwardto carry and have no style or differentiation.

A search of the following classes and subclasses did not reveal anyrelevant prior artwork: 69/1 file, leather; 69/20 file, leather,implement; 493/947 file, folder; 407/29, 15 files, handles; 139/389+bag, fabric; 211/11 file, sorting type desk; 220/529+ file, receptaclefile partition; 916 pliable container; 921 insert; 926 handle; 935covering bag; 937 textile; 206 special receptacle or package.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Several objects and advantages of this invention include:

-   -   (a) to provide owners with option of selecting designer fabric        and trim for the exterior of the file bag;    -   (b) to provide owners with option of selecting interior lining        fabric to coordinate with the exterior fabric and trim;    -   (c) to provide owners with option to order custom made interior        file folders to coordinate with the interior and exterior fabric        colors;    -   (d) to provide owners with the option of a custom embroidered        initials, business or company names on the exterior of the bag;    -   (e) to provide owners with a convenient long strap connected to        the file bag to drape over their shoulder freeing up both hands;    -   (f) to provide multiple hanging file folders that can be        conveniently transferred back and forth to alternate, more        permanent filing drawers yet transported in style;    -   (g) to provide owners with a unique method to transport        important articles and documents in a very stylish way that        reflects owners personality and taste;

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention a decorative portable file bagcomprises of three reinforced fabric layers precisely fitted over ahanging file frame and coordinated removable hanging files, trim, andfile tabs.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the right side panel construction of the bag.

FIG. 2 shows the left side panel construction of the bag.

FIG. 3 shows the bottom panel construction of the bag.

FIG. 4 shows the front panel construction of the bag.

FIG. 5 shows the back panel construction of the bag.

FIG. 6 shows the decorative, coordinating trim attached.

FIG. 7 shows two long handles attached to the side panels.

FIG. 8 shows the standard or legal size hanging files and file framesinserted into the completed fabric bag.

FIG. 9 shows the completed decorative portable file bag.

FIG. 10 shows the file tabs and labels FIG. 11 shows the optionaldecorative monogram.

FIG. 12 shows the optional Velcroed top cover

FIG. 13 shows the completed file bag with optional Velcroed top cover.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   20 a right interior decorative panel-   20 b right center interfacing panel-   20 c right exterior decorative panel-   22 a left interior decorative panel-   22 b left center interfacing panel-   22 c left exterior decorative panel-   24 a bottom interior decorative panel-   24 b bottom center interfacing panel-   24 c bottom exterior decorative panel-   26 a front interior decorative panel-   26 b front center interfacing panel-   26 c front exterior decorative panel-   28 a back interior decorative panel-   28 b back center interfacing panel-   28 c back exterior decorative panel-   30 decorative top perimeter fabric trim-   32 a, b fabric handles-   34 a-j standard or legal size hanging files-   36 a-d connector screws-   38 a, b frame connector parts-   40 a, b standard or legal size frame parts-   42 hanging file tab labels-   44 hanging file tabs-   46 optional decorative embroidered initials-   48 a, b alternative side handles-   50 alternate Velcroed top left side-   52 alternate Velcroed top right side

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1-10 PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-5 show the basic construction of the fabric bag. Part 20 a inFIG. 1 is the right interior decorative fabric that coordinates with 20c, the exterior decorative fabric. Part 20 b is the fabric interfacingthat adds body to the side wall. Parts 20 a, 20 b, and 20 c are all thesame dimensions and are sewn together to form the right side wall andthen the completed side wall is sewn to join the bottom, front, and backsides described in subsequent drawings.

Part 22 a in FIG. 2 is the left interior decorative fabric thatcoordinates with 20 c, the exterior decorative fabric. Part 22 b is thefabric interfacing that adds body to the side wall. 22 a, 22 b, and 22 care all the same dimensions and are sewn together to form the left sidewall and then the completed side wall is sewn to join the bottom, front,and back sides described in subsequent drawings.

Part 24 a in FIG. 3 is the bottom interior decorative fabric thatcoordinates with 24 c, the exterior decorative fabric. Part 24 b is thefabric interfacing that adds body to the bottom wall. Parts 24 a, 24 b,and 24 c are all the same dimensions and are sewn together to form thebottom wall and then the completed bottom wall is sewn to join the side,front, and back sides described in subsequent drawings.

Part 26 a in FIG. 4 is the front interior decorative fabric thatcoordinates with part 26 c, the exterior decorative fabric. Part 26 b isthe fabric interfacing that adds body to the front wall. ReferenceNumeral 26 a, 26 b, and 26 c are all the same dimensions and are sewntogether to form the front wall and then the completed front wall issewn to join the side, bottom, and back sides described in subsequentdrawings.

Part 28 a in FIG. 5 is the back interior decorative fabric thatcoordinates with 28 c, the exterior decorative fabric. Part 28 b is thefabric interfacing that adds body to the back wall. Parts 28 a, 28 b,and 28 c are all the same dimensions and are sewn together to form theback wall and then the completed back wall is sewn to join the side,front, and bottom sides described in subsequent drawings to form thecompleted shell of the file bag.

Part 30 a decorative coordinating fabric trim piece in FIG. 6 is sewn tothe entire perimeter of the bag along the top edge.

Fabric handles 32 a and 32 b in FIG. 7 are sewn to the top inside edgeof the front and back panels.

Standard letter or legal size hanging file frames 40 a and 40 b in FIG.8 are connected with cross frame connectors 38 a and 38 b and screws 36a-d. File frames and hanging files are available at most office supplystores. Frame connectors 38 a-b frame can be cut to varying lengths toallow for different widths for the bag. The completed bag fabric panelsfrom FIG. 1-5 are stretched over the completed file frame 36 a-d, 38a-b, 40 a-b and standard or legal hanging folders are placed on the fileframe supported by the file frame notches. Precise fabric measurementsare required to permit a tight fit for the file frames inside the fabricbag.

Ten standard hanging file tabs 44 and labels 42 in FIG. 10 are includedwith each bag order for the customer to label each file.

Operation

The operation of the decorative portable file bag is quite simple.Teachers, attorneys, real estate agents, interior decorators, and anyoneseeking organization with style use the decorative portable file bag totransport important files and documents to and from jobs, customers,offices, and vendors. A significant advantage of this system is theability to easily remove (FIG. 8) the hanging files and place them inmore permanent filing cabinets at different locations. Another advantageis the long handles in FIG. 7 that can be placed over the shoulder tofree up hands and provide better support. However, the most significantadvantage is the decorative fabric that covers the inside and outside ofthe bag and is coordinated with the trim piece in FIG. 6 and hangingfiles in FIG. 8.

Consumers love the fact that they own a very unique, classy, decorative,portable filing system that they are proud to display and use. Consumerscan actually pick out coordinating materials at a local fabric store aswell as have their initials or business name monogrammed on the exteriorof the bag.

FIGS. 11-13—Additional Embodiments

Additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 11-13. The first option forconsumers is to have their initials monogrammed on the exterior of thefile as shown by 46 in FIG. 11. This option further differentiates thefile bag from others.

Another option is a Velcroed top cover to prevent documents from beingobserved or falling out of the file bag as shown in FIG. 12. Part 50 hasa strip of Velcro sewn on the underside of it that adheres to the Velcrosewn into the top of Part 52. FIG. 13 shows the final Velcro optionembodiment applied to the file bag. The Velcro option requiresrepositioning of straps 48 a and 48 b that are sewn to the outside edgesof 50 and 52.

Advantages

From the descriptions above, a number of advantages of the decorativeportable file bag become evident:

-   -   a) File bag owners have the distinct advantage of portability of        important documents as well as the unique ability to easily        remove any or all of the hanging files and place them in another        filing cabinet or storage system in an alternate location. Most        current systems are composed of a cardboard accordion file from        which individual files cannot be removed.    -   b) Current portable filing systems are made out of cardboard and        have no style. The decorative portable file bag is stylish and        makes a statement about the taste and style of the owner. Owners        can special order interior, exterior, trim, and hanging files to        coordinate with each other and the style of the owner.    -   c) Current portable filing systems do not have the flexible long        handles. The longer handles can be draped over the shoulder to        better balance the weight and free up the owner's hands for        other tasks.    -   d) Current portable filing systems have a clumsy elastic band or        cardboard piece that acts as a closure for the top of the files.        An option for the decorative portable filing bag is a Velroed        top cover that opens in the middle to secure files and        documents. This closure method is more convenient and more        stylish than the current options on the market.    -   e) The biggest compliment I receive out of the several hundred        decorative portable file bag owners is that, “I own something        very unique and useful and no one else I know has one. I love        taking my files and cool bag to meet my clients.”    -   f) Teachers, interior decorators, real estate agents, and anyone        seeking stylish organization love my new invention and refer me        to their friends.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

As documented above, the ramification of this new invention is there isa large potential customer base that will enjoy the style, uniqueness,and fabulous utility of the decorative portable file bag I have namedthe ClassyFile under my business name TaterTotes. With input from earlybuyers, I have added multiple widths as well as an optional legal sizein addition to the standard letter size files. Another option is theVelcroed top that keeps documents private and from falling out when thebag is tipped. The descriptions and preferred embodiments above shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The size inwidth, length, and depth can vary depending upon the needs of the buyer.In addition, the monogramming and Velcro options add additionaldifferentiation from current portable storage items.

1. A decorative portable file bag comprising: a) reinforced fabrics withcoordinating designs on the interior and exterior surfaces sewn togetherto form the shell of said file bag, and b) a standard or legal size fileframe with multiple color coordinated hanging files inserted into saidfabric file bag, and c) attached fabric handles for convenienttransporting and significant utility whereby said decorative portablefile bag provides a convenient yet stylish vehicle to organize andtransport important documents or samples.